Nativa (en. Native)

/naˈtiva/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
noun
A person who is originally from a place.
The native of the region knows her culture well.
La nativa de la región conoce bien su cultura.
A species that develops naturally in a place without human intervention.
The native trees of the area are extremely important to the ecosystem.
Los árboles nativos de la zona son extremadamente importantes para el ecosistema.
A language that is spoken naturally by a community.
Spanish is the native language of many countries in Latin America.
El español es la lengua nativa de muchos países en América Latina.

Etymology

From Latin 'nativus', which means 'born' or 'original'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

digital native
It refers to a person who has grown up in the digital age and is proficient in using technology.
nativa digital
native people
It refers to communities that have inhabited a territory since time immemorial.
pueblo nativo

Related Words

nativism
Ideology that advocates for the protection of indigenous cultures.
nativismo
nativity
Birth or the act of being born, often referred to in religious contexts.
natividad

Slang Meanings

It is used to describe someone who is very local or close to their roots.
She is so native that she knows everyone in the neighborhood.
Ella es tan nativa que conoce a todos en el barrio.
In some contexts, it refers to someone who is very traditional and conservative.
That girl is very native; she always does things the way they were done before.
Esa chica es muy nativa; siempre hace las cosas como se hacía antes.